11/22/2013
Ge***al herpes is a common infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It causes painful blisters on the ge****ls and the surrounding areas.
As ge***al herpes can be passed to others through intimate s*xual contact, it is often referred to as a s*xually transmitted infection (STI).
HSV can affect any mucous membrane (moist lining), such as those found in the mouth (cold sores).
Ge***al herpes is a chronic (long-term) condition. The virus remains in your body and can become active again. The average rate of recurrence is four to five times in the first two years after being infected. However, over time, it becomes active less frequently and each outbreak becomes less severe.
Read more about the symptoms of ge***al herpes.
The herpes simplex virus (HSV)
There are two types of herpes simplex virus (HSV), type 1 and type 2. Both types are highly contagious and can be passed easily from one person to another by direct contact. Ge***al herpes is usually transmitted by having s*x (vaginal, a**l or oral) with an infected person. Even if someone with ge***al herpes does not have any symptoms, it is possible for them to pass the condition on to a s*xual partner.
At least 8 out of 10 people who carry the virus are unaware they have been infected because there are often few or no initial symptoms. However, certain triggers can activate the virus, causing an outbreak of ge***al herpes.
Read more about the causes of ge***al herpes.
Who is affected?
Ge***al herpes is a common condition, especially between people aged 20-24 years. In 2011, 30,338 people attended a s*xual health clinic in the UK with an attack of ge***al herpes for the first time.
Read more about how ge***al herpes is diagnosed.
Treating ge***al herpes
Although there is no cure for ge***al herpes, the symptoms can usually be controlled using antiviral medicines.
However, it is important to prevent the spread of ge***al herpes by avoiding s*x until symptoms have cleared up and continuing to use a condom afterwards.
Read more about how ge***al herpes is treated.
Pregnancy
Ge***al herpes can cause problems during pregnancy. These complications can be more serious depending on whether you already have ge***al herpes, or develop it for the first time while pregnant.
